Anthony Ogogo: Strictly win wasn't meant to be

Boxer Anthony Ogogo insists he was voted out of Strictly Come Dancing because he's a "complete novice", unlike other contestants.

The 26-year-old sportsman was the second celebrity to leave the TV competition on Sunday night (11Oct15) after his paso doble failed to outdo chef Ainsley Harriott's cha cha cha routine.

Although Anthony has won a bronze Olympic medal, his talents in the ring weren't enough to save him on Strictly. In his opinion, it doesn't help that many of the other stars have dancing experience.

“When you’re up against Jay McGuiness who’s done ballet and Helen George who’s done ballet and Peter Andre who’s a popstar, it’s very hard to compete," Anthony sighed on the show after being axed.

“It’s very, very hard for a novice to win the competition. I’m one of the few in the competition who’s got no dance history, I’m a complete novice.”

On top of this he partly blames his departure on his career, as he thinks his being an athlete didn't put him in good stead compared to the likes of BBC radio DJ Jeremy Vine.

Anthony was partnered with professional Oti Mabuse during his brief time on the programme, and was surprised at being paired with a black dancer.

“I did not think that the BBC would put us together because we’re black or mixed race," he added. "I honestly thought they would spread the minorities around.”

The feedback on their final dance wasn't positive, with judge Bruno Tonioli's words hitting hard. Bruno commented that because Anthony is so fit and young he was going to be tough with his criticism, describing it as "all over the place".

"It was crash, bang, wallop, but the paso doble lacked total artistry," he told the pair during the show on Sunday.